Microphone sensitivity
Convert mV/Pa and dBV, and get output level, required gain, SNR and dynamic range for a given SPL.
Convert sensitivity units
mV/Pa
dBV re 1 V/Pa
dBu re 1 Pa
Output level for a sound pressure level
mV/Pa
dB SPL
dB(A)
dB SPL
- Output voltage
- 20.0475mV
- Output level
- -31.7403dBu
- Preamp gain to reach +4 dBu
- 35.7403dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio (re 94 dB SPL)
- 80dB
- Dynamic range (max SPL − self-noise)
- 124dB
- Headroom above the current SPL
- 44dB
Sensitivity is the open-circuit output at 1 Pa (94 dB SPL) at 1 kHz. Typical values: dynamic microphones 1–3 mV/Pa, condenser microphones 5–50 mV/Pa.
How it works
Sensitivity tells how many millivolts a microphone delivers for 1 pascal (94 dB SPL). With it you can predict the output voltage for any sound level and how much preamp gain you will need.
Self-noise and maximum SPL from the datasheet give the usable dynamic range of the microphone.
Formulas
- dBV = 20 · log₁₀( S / 1 V/Pa )
- V_out = S · p
- SNR = 94 dB − self-noise
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